Abstract: The invention provides drying apparatus (10; 100; 200; 300) comprising a first chamber (32; 132; 232; 332) for receiving articles to be dried and having an outlet (38; 138; 238), a second chamber (26;126; 226;326) having an outlet (28a; 128; 228; 328), and a fan (40; 140; 240; 340) having a fan inlet and a fan outlet, the fan inlet communicating with the outlet (38; 138; 238) of the first chamber (32; 132; 232; 332) and the fan outlet communicating with the second chamber (26;126; 226; 326), the apparatus (10; 100; 200; 300) further comprising a vacuum pump (30; 130; 230; 330) communicating with the outlet (28a; 128; 228; 328) of the second chamber (26;126; 226; 326), the arrangement being such that transfer of thermal energy can take place between the first and second chambers (32, 26; 132,126; 232, 226; 332, 326).

Abstract: Data from a plurality of sensors representing a patient's condition, including the measurement signals and also secondary parameters derived from the measurement signals, are displayed in a simple way by mapping them from the multi-dimensional measurement space to a two-dimensional visualisation space. This can be achieved using a mapping which preserves the topography of the data points, for instance by ensuring that the inter-point distances in the visualisation space match as closely as possible the corresponding inter-point distances in the measurement space. Such a mapping, for instance Sammon's mapping is achieved by a suitably trained artificial neural network. The parameters are normalised before the mapping process and the normalisation and mapping are such that mapped points from a patient whose condition is normal appear in the centre of the visualisation space, whereas points from a patient whose condition is abnormal appear at the edge of the visualisation space.

Abstract: A laboratory fume hood utilities manifold for the distribution of a plurality of utilities has an elongated housing frame with the separate intake ports for different respective utilities, such as air, vacuum, nitrogen and water. The manifold includes a plurality of conduits wherein each conduit communicates with a respective intake port. A plurality of outlet ports is connected to each respective conduit. Each outlet port is facing the front of the hood and may selectively be provided with a valve for the controlled supply of the utilities. The manifold also includes a drain outlet port for condenser cooling water disposal, wherein the drain outlet port is disposed below the intake ports, and a drain intake port and downwardly angled drain conduit communicates by gravity flow with the drain outlet port. A downwardly angled steel tube is connected to the drain outlet with the steel tube free end disposed in the fume hood drain.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting the fouling of a substrate in a fouling environment, which comprises forming on the substrate, before exposure to the environment, a coating comprising a film-forming polymer (A) carrying unreacted curable silicon-containing functional groups providing latent reactivity, and thereafter applying a layer comprising a curable polymeric fouling-inhibiting material (B), more especially a curable polysiloxane or a curable flourine-containing polymer, and bonding the applied layer to the coating by a condensation curing reaction involving the unreacted functional groups thereon. The initial coating can be applied over a range of worn or damaged anti-fouling coatings. The sequential application of layers is a simpler, more flexible and more controllable procedure than is offered by complex systems designed to produce outer siloxane-rich regions. Relatively long periods are achievable.

Abstract: A self-servoing disc brake assembly is provided that includes a driven rotor member having a first inner surface with a plurality of first pockets. The driven rotor member also includes a first friction surface spaced from the first inner surface. A movable rotor member is supported on the driven rotor member and is movable relative to the driven rotor member between non-servoed and servoed positions. The rotor members are spaced a first distance in the non-servo position, and the rotor members are spaced a second distance which is greater than a first distance in the servo position. The movable rotor member includes a second inner surface with a plurality of second pockets adjacent to the first inner surface and a friction surface spaced from the second inner surface. A plurality of balls are arranged between the first and second pockets with at least one of the first and second pockets being ramped.

Abstract: A network management apparatus and method for determining an optimum threshold value for a monitored characteristic of a network is described. The optimum threshold value is determined by counting a number of previously received events generated from values for a monitored characteristic which were above or below an existing threshold value for the monitored characteristic, and determining the optimum threshold value in dependence on the counted number. An optimum threshold value is provided, which is tailored to suit the network concerned.

Abstract: A method for combining physiological measurements from two or more independent measurement channels, particularly physiological measurements such as heart rate. Independent measurements of heart rate, for instance by ECG and pulse oximetry, can be combined to derive an improved measurement eliminating artefacts on one channel. A model of the process generating the physiological parameter, e.g. the heart rate, is constructed and is run independently for each channel to generate predictions of the parameter. The model may be a Kalman filter. The measured values are compared with the predicted values and the differences is used as an indication of the confidence in the measurement, the higher the difference the lower the confidence. The measurements from the two channels are combined using weights calculated from the respected differences.

Abstract: A system for acquiring, and displaying, data such as physiological data, from a plurality of data connection devices, each of which monitor one or more different parameters and output data at different sampling frequencies based on their own system clocks. The system receives the data signals at different sampling frequencies and associates each sample of each signal with a time stamp derived from a single master clock. Low rate and high rate data are treated differently. Low rate data is associated with the current value of the master clock, where as high rate data is time stamped by giving the first sample a time stamp equal to the current value of the current master clock, subsequent samples being given an estimated time stamp based on the expected interval between samples derived from the sampling frequency of the data collection device, and the timescale given to the first example.

Abstract: A multi-purpose ground support vehicle for an aircraft comprises a four wheel drive land vehicle in which the main power unit is also connected to an aircraft services gearbox by a power take-off shaft to provide a self-propelled aerospace ground equipment facility in a variety of terrains. The aircraft services gearbox includes a plurality of service devices such as e.g. a hydraulic pump, an electrical generator, a low or high pressure air compressor etc.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting the fouling of a substrate in a marine fouling environment, which comprises forming on the substrate, before exposure to the said environment, a coating comprising a curable fluorinated resin of the general formula: W-L-YFC—O—Rf—CFY-L-W wherein: W is a group of the general formula —Si(R1)&agr;(OR2)3-&agr;, wherein &agr;=0, 1, or 2, preferably &agr;=0, R1 and R2 independently have the meaning of linear of branched C1-C6 alkyl groups, optionally containing one or more ether groups, or C7-C12 aryl or alkyl groups, and preferably R1 and R2 are C1-C4 alkyl groups; L is an organic linking group; Y is F or CF3; and Rf is a group having an average molecular weight by number between 350 and 8000, preferably between 500 and 3000, and comprising repeating units having at least one of the following structures randomly distributed along the chain: —CFXO—, CF2CF2O—, CF2CF2CF2O—, CF2CF2CF2CF2O—, CR4R5CF2CF2O—, —(CF(CF3)C

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and programs disclosed herein provide a solution for monitoring and tracking assets by utilizing wireless communications. A representative system for monitoring assets includes a remote monitoring station (RMS) and a network of identification (ID) tags. Each ID tag is coupled to an asset and is configured to wirelessly communicate with other ID tags in the network within a predetermined proximity. Each tag is also configured to relay communications from other ID tags so that a communication path is established between the RMS and any ID tag in the network, either directly or via other ID tags.

Abstract: A clamp (40) for preventing theft of a motor cycle, by disabling operation of a handlebar brake lever comprises: a pair of jaws (2 and 3) connected together at a pivot (4) so as to be movable between an open and a closed condition, the jaws (2 and 3) providing when in the closed condition, first and second substantially parallel apertures (6 and 7) through the clamp (40), the first aperture (6) being shaped to receive a handlebar handgrip portion therethrough, and the second aperture (7) being formed in a movable member (10) and positioned so as to receive a brake or clutch lever operably mounted on the handlebar. The clamp (40) also has a locking device (42) for enabling the jaws (2 and 3) to be locked in the closed condition. The movable member (10) is locked at optional positions when the jaws (2 and 3) are in the closed condition, by a pair of ribs (18) which engage into a series of transverse grooves formed in the jaw (3) along the length thereof.

Abstract: The braking mechanism comprises a toggle lever, a brake pad, and an incline. An incline actuates the braking mechanism by forcing an extension of the toggle lever. As the toggle lever extends, it pushes the brake pad closer to the surface to be slowed. Multiple toggle levers may be used to distribute the force across the brake pad. This configuration allows a single input from the incline to actuate both toggle levers. By adjusting the width of the incline actuating the toggle lever, the force on the brake pad may be adjusted.

Abstract: An anti-fouling composition which comprises a cured or cross-linked polymer free of perfluoropolyether moieties and a fluid fluorinated alkyl- or alkoxy-containing polymer or oligomer.

Abstract: A brake adjuster is provided for a vehicle brake such as for heavy duty vehicle. The brake adjuster includes a brake module that produces an electrical signal for adjusting the vehicle brake. The heavy duty vehicle brake typically includes a pair of pistons each having first and second portions that are movable relative to one another. A friction element or brake pad is arranged proximate to the second portion and is movable from a desired position to a worn position as the brake pads wear during operation of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second portions are slip fit within a sleeve assembly. At least one adjustment member is arranged between the first and second portions. The adjustment member is constructed from a material which expands in response to an electrical signal, such as a magnetostrictive or a piezoelectric material.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the manufacture of plasterboard (100) having at least a first side faced with a facing liner (2), a cementitious core (1) and an opposite side faced with a backing liner (4), includes a support surface (3) with a required surface finish to support the facing liner (2) and the first side of the plasterboard, pressurized fluid supply means to supply a fluid at above atmospheric pressure and at least one fluid directing means (5) to direct the pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid supply means onto the opposite side of the plasterboard after the cementitious core (1) has partially set but before it has set to a knife set point. The pressurized fluid exerts a substantially uniform pressure on the backing liner (4) and the opposite side of the plasterboard, thereby smoothing the facing liner (2) and the first side of said plasterboard by urging them toward the support surface (3).

Abstract: A network management apparatus and method is disclosed for determining an optimum threshold value for a monitored characteristic of a network. The optimum threshold value is determined by counting the number of previously received values for a monitored characteristic which values exceeded an existing threshold value for said monitored characteristic, and determining the optimum threshold value in dependence on the counted number. An optimum threshold value is provided, which is tailored to suit the network concerned.

Abstract: A multi disc brake assembly employing a combination fixed rotor and a plurality of axially moving floating rotors. The fixed rotor is attached to and rotates in combination with a wheel hub. The plurality of floating rotors are slidingly attached to the fixed rotor and a plurality of stationary friction surfaces are interleaved therebetween. The stationary friction surfaces are keyed to the caliper housing allowing for axial movement. The floating rotors are connected to the fixed rotor by pins, or are axially slidingly keyed at the inner radial periphery to splines on the fixed rotor.

Abstract: A limiting feature in spacecraft such as communication satellites is becoming the amount of surface such as 5, 6 available for dissipating waste heat from the electrical equipment in the satellite. The invention provides a deployable radiator 11 which carries a number of capillary pumped loops consisting of an evaporator, an outward limb and a return limb. The panel 11 is rolled up to coil the elements prior to launch, and unrolled when in orbit. The outward and return lengths of tube act as condenser for the capillary pumped loop, transport the heat over the radiating panel 11 and also provide the spring force for the panel to unroll.

Abstract: A brake adjuster is provided for a vehicle brake such as for heavy duty vehicle. The brake adjuster includes a brake module that produces an electrical signal for adjusting the vehicle brake. The heavy duty vehicle brake typically includes a pair of pistons each having first and second portions that are movable relative to one another. A friction element or brake pad is arranged proximate to the second portion and is movable from a desired position to a worn position as the brake pads wear during operation of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second portions are slip fit within a sleeve assembly. At least one adjustment member is arranged between the first and second portions. The adjustment member is constructed from a material which expands in response to an electrical signal, such as a magnetostrictive or a piezoelectric material.